Yating Cheng Email & Phone Number

-Cancer Origin DetectorDeveloped the Cancer Origin Detector to aid doctors in accurately pinpointing primary tumor sites in challenging cases.Leveraged GENIE Cohort database, processed high-dimensional, sparse genomic data from over 150, 000 cancer patients, including DNA mutations and copy number variations. Overcame the inherent noise in genetic data by implementing robust data preprocessing and feature selection techniques. Selected a 47-gene panel as feature inputs in multiple machine learning models (Logistic Regression, Random Forest, XGBoost), achieving 80% accuracy with the XGBoost model.-Anti-PD1-Response PredictorCollaborated with a premier breast cancer group to analyze anti-PD1 immunotherapy responses in a mouse model. Utilized single-cell and spatial analyses to distinguish responders from non-responders.Addressed challenges associated with high-dimensional genomic data through rigorous QC and normalization protocols, applying PCA and UMAP techniques for dimension reduction. This facilitated managing data complexity and executing precise differential expression analysis.Identified reduced neutrophil numbers and decreased interferon signaling in neutrophils as key predictive markers for anti-PD1 response. This directly contributed to the collaborator's attainment of a $1 million grant.-“Forever Chemical” PFAS Toxicity PredictorInvestigated long-term health effects of "forever chemicals" (PFAS) to assist Federal agencies in PFAS regulation development.Performed longitudinal analysis on PFAS exposure and recovery. Employed statistical tests and clustering to identify Alzheimer’s-related gene signatures with significant overlap in PFAS-exposed cells. Conducted a multi-layered analysis of epigenetic and transcriptomic changes and their impact on gene expression.This first-ever systematic genomic profiling of PFAS toxicity related to brain function has secured the continuation of a $2 million grant.

Houston, Texas Area

Worked within a cross-functional team consisting of clinicians, patients, and pharmaceutical partners, leveraging exploratory analysis and statistical modeling to optimize breast cancer treatment strategies.Breast Cancer Research program Breakthrough Fellowship Award. “Axl signaling inhibitionin triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer: impact on the tumor microenvironment and the efficacy of chemotherapy”. Department of Defence. (2019, not funded, score 1.5 ).

College Station, Texas, United States

Comparing the effectiveness of RNA-seq and microarray methods for analyzing gene expressions in stool samples from human patients. This research aims to optimize diagnostic processes, thereby enhancing personalized patient care and treatment outcomes.

College Station

Engaged in groundbreaking research on the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer progression. Concurrently studying the impact of microbiota metabolites and dietary components on gut health via Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) signaling. Striving to unravel the complex interplay of these factors in human health to drive the development of novel therapeutic strategies.-CVM Graduate Student Core Facility Experiential Learning Program Grant-Texas A&MAgriLife Research Genomics and Bioinformatics Laboratory. “Differential gene expressionassociated with increased life span in MALAT-1 knockout mice crossed with a transgenicpancreatic cancer mouse model”. Texas A&M University. (02/2016-08/2016)-CVM Graduate Student Trainee Research Grant. “Unraveling the regulatory mechanisms ofaryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling by microbiota metabolites and diet in mousecolon cells”. Texas A&M University. (01/2015-12/2015)

Berlin, Germany

- Utilized statistical techniques to analyze honey bee epigenetic data, aiding in understanding the genetic influences on bee behavior and health.- Investigated the gene expression profiles related to the Bcl-2 family to understand the role of different oncogenes in cell death induction.- Investigated the regulation of thermo-TRPs in retinoblastoma cells to gain insights into cell resistance mechanisms to cancer treatment.

Doctor Of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Toxicology

Activities and Societies: Aggie research leadership program

Master'S Degree, Molecular Medicine

Bachelor'S Degree, Biological Sciences